Natural Immunity Boosters

My favorite "under the weather" remedy is fresh squeezed lemon juice and raw local honey mixed into hot water. Since half of Ithaca seems to be walking around with some variation of a respiratory illness I'll also  be loading up on the following spices to help boost immunity naturally!
 
1. Garlic: contains allicin and allion which have antiviral and detoxification properties.  Add raw, fresh garlic to veggie-loaded soup (or whatever your cooking), make sure you chop it up, as this activates the antiviral compounds in garlic. Or make a simple tea by immersing chopped garlic into a cup of boiling water and let it steep for a few minutes.
 
2. Ginger: activates your immune system and has been shown in studies to work as a preventative and therapeutic measure against the flu. Ginger also helps relieve a sore throat and settle an upset stomach. Make a warming tea with fresh ginger, honey, and lemon.
 
3. Turmeric: a powerful spice with a long list of healing benefits, including antiviral properties.  A 2010 study revealed that when curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) was added to cell cultures infected with H1N1 and H6N1 subtypes of the flu, the virus was reduced by 90%!   Add turmeric to your soups and stews or make a delicious paste with a spoonful of ground turmeric and raw honey.
 
4. Elderberry: full of anthocyanins, flavonoids and triterpenes, compounds that are responsible for its incredible antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immune-stimulating effects. An Israeli study found that 75% of patients who took black elderberry extract cleared the flu within 48 hours and 90% were symptom free within 72 hours. That’s powerful! Find it at the health food store and make it into a warming tea.

sources: www.mindbodygreen.com

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